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Francona to attend Fenway ceremony Friday

Francona to attend Fenway ceremony Friday

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Francona welcomed back 0:54

3/22/12: Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona chats about being welcomed back by his former players before the game

By Ian Browne
/
MLB.com |

BOSTON -- Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who led the club to their only two World Series championships since 1918, has had a change of heart and will be on the field during pregame ceremonies on Friday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park.

"I think that's good," said right-hander Daniel Bard. "That's a tough personal decision for him the way things ended here for him a few months ago. But he's such a big part of the recent history of the team and the ballpark. I think it's only appropriate that he's here."

Last week, Francona told The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy that the wounds were still too fresh from his parting with the team last September to be part of such a festive occasion.

What led to the change of heart?

Francona told ESPN -- his current employer for whom he will broadcast Sunday night's Red Sox-Yankees game -- that he owed it to the fans to take part in Friday's celebration.

In eight seasons with the Red Sox, Francona guided the club to five postseason appearances. Boston won the World Series in 2004 and '07, and Francona is the only manager in baseball history to win his first eight World Series games.

"He won two World Series here," said center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury. "You build relationships over the years. I'm sure the fans and players will give him a nice reception."

The Red Sox invited every living former player and manager in team history to Friday's ceremony.